Featuring a selection of 20th century prints from the Denison Museum’s permanent collection. The booming wealth of the Industrial Revolution allowed Americans to travel and collect art more seriously than ever before. The resulting rise of art collectors allowed the modern tastes of Europe to travel back to New York, culminating in 1913 with the first international exhibition of Modern Art, the Armory Show.
With the help of Duchamp, artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Dix, Braque, Redon, and others were introduced to the American public. The various wars of the twentieth century cut into the very fabric of everyday life. Many European artists came to America, providing a perfect source of teachers and mentors for young American artists. Never before had there been such interest, fame, and drive in art in the United States. With the rise of Modern artists and collectors, new art groups began to form. In 1917 the New York Society of Independent Artists allowed a non-juried art show to showcase the avant-garde in the United States. Duchamp once again paved the way as being one of the few members to have their artwork rejected from the show by other artists.
Duchamp’s “found art”, along with many other artists and groups would come to the forefront in New York in the 20th century. Collectors such as Gertrude Stein, Katherine Drier, and Peggy Guggenheim all left a mark with their support and interconnectivity during these war-torn years, introducing artists to one another, collectors, and galleries. As you look through this section of the gallery you will travel away from the Parisian cafes to the busy streets of New York City. Many of the artists do not neatly fit into one place, “ism”, or style; their art is not confined to one name or idea, but shifts and moves with the events around them. These artists were influenced by each other and driven by their experiences in the various wars, the uncertain calm between them, or life that was found after. Some artists choose to react to current events in the world around them, while others became vanguards that pushed boundaries, limits, and very idea of Art.
